Are you ready to begin on your hiking journey but don’t know where to start? Fear not, as we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 hiking trails for beginners. These trails offer stunning scenery, manageable distances, and well-marked paths to ensure an enjoyable experience for all novice hikers.
1. Mount Monadnock, New Hampshire
Mount Monadnock is a popular hiking destination known for its accessibility and panoramic views. The 4.2-mile White Dot Trail takes you to the summit, offering a moderate challenge with rewarding vistas.
2. Muir Woods National Monument, California
Located just north of San Francisco, Muir Woods features several easy-to-moderate trails through ancient redwood forests. The Main Trail Loop is a gentle 2-mile walk that’s perfect for beginners.
3. Griffith Park, California
Griffith Park in Los Angeles boasts numerous beginner-friendly trails, including the Griffith Observatory Trail. This 2.5-mile hike provides fantastic views of the city and the iconic Hollywood sign.
4. Great Falls Park, Virginia
Situated along the Potomac River, Great Falls Park offers the 2-mile River Trail. This easy hike features breathtaking views of waterfalls and the surrounding natural beauty.
5. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, West Virginia
The Maryland Heights Trail in Harpers Ferry is a 4.5-mile hike that offers a mix of history and nature. The trail provides stunning overlooks of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.
6. Clingmans Dome, Tennessee/North Carolina
Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains, features a paved 1-mile trail to the observation tower. The short but steep hike rewards hikers with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.
7. Garden of the Gods, Colorado
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs offers the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that’s perfect for beginners. The trail winds through stunning red rock formations and provides excellent photo opportunities.
8. Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas offers the 2.2-mile Calico Tanks Trail. This trail provides a moderate hike with beautiful desert landscapes and a hidden water basin at the end.
9. Lanikai Pillboxes, Hawaii
The Lanikai Pillbox Hike on Oahu’s windward coast is a 1.8-mile trail that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Mokulua Islands. The trail is short but steep, making it a great introduction to hiking in Hawaii.
10. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
The Stony Man Trail in Shenandoah National Park is a 1.6-mile loop that takes you to the summit of Stony Man Mountain. The trail is well-marked and provides stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley.